ILLINOIS STATE NEWS

(SPRINGFIELD) The day 200 years ago, August 26th, that Illinois adopted its State Constitution is the focal point for anniversary celebrations across the state, highlighted by the dedication of a new Bicentennial Plaza in Springfield adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion. Governor Bruce Rauner kicks off the anniversary in Shorewood that day with his annual Route 66 Motorcycle Ride, which culminates at the new Plaza where he will preside over the dedication and then host a BBQ for riders at the Mansion. Those interested may register online at www.govsride.eventbrite.com. Signature celebrations will also take place in many other regions of the state, from East St. Louis to Galena, from Highland Park to Du Quoin, all to mark the historic occasion in 1818 when Illinois ratified its Constitution. The full list of events to be held throughout Illinois, plus other details and information about the Bicentennial are available online, at www.illinois200.com.

(SPRINGFIELD) The 2018 Illinois State Fair is wrapping up this weekend in Springfield. This Saturday is Park District Conservation Day with more livestock shows, USAC Silver Crown Racing at 12:30, the demo derby in the Arena at 6:30 tonight, and Flo Rida & Ludacris with Childish Major on the Grandstand stage tonight at 8:00. The final day of the State Fair is tomorrow, Family Day, with a lowered general admission price. Sunday features a music festival, ARCA Racing at 1:30, and on stage tomorrow night at 8:00 to wrap up the State Fair is country music star Brantley Gilbert. Also, plenty of daily events including special music, food, carnival rides, agriculture fair tours, and more, plus Conservation World each day from 10:00 to 7:00. For more on the daily schedule, tickets, and more, go online at www2.illinois.gov/statefair/info.

(SPRINGFIELD) Meanwhile, it was yesterday at the Illinois State Fair that Governor Bruce Rauner proclaimed August 17 as Traffic Fatality Awareness Day in Illinois. With traffic deaths on the rise around the state and throughout the country, the proclamation was announced through a partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Secretary of State, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. As 1,090 people died on Illinois roads last year in 2017, the inaugural Traffic Fatality Awareness Day called attention to new and ongoing initiatives to raise awareness and educate the public with a goal of moving toward zero deaths on Illinois roadways. For more on the statewide initiative, everyone’s encouraged to go online at www.lifeordeathillinois.com.